Young Europeans are attracted to the health and care professions
How do 16-20-year-olds view the health and care professions? The Ipsos-Clariane Foundation survey of 2,100 young people in seven European countries, published in January 2024, reveals that the sector’s professions present clear appeal. The study details their motivations, including a desire to help others and feel proud.
ipsos_fondation-clariane_the-attractiveness-of-health-and-care-professions-for-young-europeans.pdf
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Useful, meaningful jobs
Even as Europe faces a shortage of caregivers, young Europeans are showing a strong attraction to the health and care professions, meeting their generation’s need for meaning.
5 When asked about the essential criteria for choosing a profession, young Europeans focus on five: work-life balance (an essential criterion for 60% of young Europeans), an interesting profession (56%), the atmosphere in terms of workplace relations (50%), a profession that reflects their values (48%) and the level of remuneration (47%).
In terms of attractiveness, health (and care) is the top sector cited in the Netherlands and ranks second in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
16-20-year-olds are willing to work in public or private facilities (73% for both cases).
Young Europeans are resolutely optimistic about their ability to find a job after their studies: 75% of them are very or somewhat confident, with this score rising to 81% among young people in vocational training.
In France, 57% of young people would be interested in hearing from a practising caregiver.
Auseful profession, a source of meaning and pride: young Europeans favour the health and care professions. According to the Ipsos study of 16-20-year-olds in seven countries, conducted for the Clariane company foundation, 8 out of 10 young people are motivated by their perception of these professions as useful and 77% consider them as a choice to be proud of. The passion for helping others is cited by 63% of respondents as a key driver.
The healthcare sector ranks third in terms of attractiveness among the leading professional sectors suggested, behind luxury and education, but it takes first place in the Netherlands and second in France, Belgium and the UK. This attractiveness is further enhanced when a friend or family member already works in the sector or has lived with illness. However, obstacles remain: the workload (39%), irregular hours (35%), low pay (29%) and being faced with suffering (37%). To meet growing needs, expanding access to training remains a top priority. Initiatives such as work-study courses and APEL, supported by Clariane, already allow 12% of Group employees to access training leading to qualifications.
Methodology
The attractiveness of the health and care professions to young people in Europe, by Ipsos-Clariane Foundation. Study conducted in seven countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom), with 2,100 participants – 300 per country – aged 16 to 20, from 16 October to 13 November 2023.
ipsos_fondation-clariane_the-attractiveness-of-health-and-care-professions-for-young-europeans.pdf
PDF, FR, 0.86Mo